Buying with Love…Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is.

I’m often asked how we, as relatively blessed American families, can raise kids that have hearts for those in need. Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers, but I do have some ideas of what works for us. One thing our family does is when we buy things, we try to find the options that give back in some way to people in need or to causes we believe in.

Sure, there are those who say that some companies just give back as a gimmick or all proceeds should go to charity or this or that… I’ve heard it all before. What matters to me is the end result is a benefit to someone or something that needs it. If we need to buy something, it’s easy to choose a product that makes the world a little better.

The blue shirts below are the ones we ordered. Be sure to click over to visit and check out my friend’s NGO and order a hip shirt from Sevenly. You’ll look hip and change the world. Not bad.

If your family is buying new sunglasses this Summer, try TOMS glasses. TOMS will donate a pair of glasses to someone in need with each pair you buy.

Check out the slideshow below for more ways you can make the world just a little better while buying the same things you always buy. Before you know it, your kids will take the reins and start looking for products that give back on their own.

Enjoy!

World Wildlife Fund…Right??? 1 of 11

This is awesome because ALL sales go to WWF....Wait, What? Oh...World Wrestling Federation! Hmmmm...

World Wildlife Fund…For Realz. 2 of 11

Oh, these handmade pewter earrings might be more along the lines of World Wildlife Fund; all proceeds not only go towards WWF, but the electricity used to create, package, and market is also 100% renewable.

Bead For Life Turquoise Bracelet 3 of 11

Who wouldn't want this gorgeous bracelet? It's made by Ugandan women whose lives are greatly enriched from the sales...social entrepreneurship at its best.

Buy One Give One 4 of 11

For every pair purchased, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for one.

Hello Somebody Meets Mercy Me. 5 of 11

Buy an album from Mercy Me, and receive a Hello Somebody watch. Hello Somebody provides sustainable projects and care to children in need. How cool is that?

Feed the Hungry While Keeping Your Breath Fresh. 6 of 11

Sometimes charity comes in the oddest partnerships and packages. Peppermint vanilla sugar-free mints made in the USA and packaged in recycled plastic test tube-like containers. For every 12 tubes sold, seven meals are provided to needy US communities.

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